Mumbai, Nov 29: India Women’s A staged a late inspirational comeback to pip England Women’s A side by a mere three runs in the first T20 game of their three-match series here on Wednesday.
Chasing 135 for win, England looked in complete control riding on a brilliant 70-run stand for the fourth wicket between vice-captain Hollie Armitage (52) and wicketkeeper-batter Seren Smale (31), but India fought back with a cluster of wickets to clinch a narrow win.
Kashvee Gautam (2/23) struck twice to dismiss Smale and Issy Wong (2) in the 18th over to open the door back for the Indians, who pulled off a thrilling win at the Wankhede Stadium.
With 13 needed off the final over, Shreyanka Patil (2/26) gave away five extras (wide) on the first ball but India prevailed eventually by three runs.
India Women’s A were guilty of not putting up enough runs on the board and making plenty of mistakes in the field.
Armitage, who top-scored in the game with 52 off 41 balls (3x4s, 1x6s), made the most of a lifeline as Disha Kasat spilled a regulation catch at cover off Prakashika Naik (1/28).
Another opportunity to break the stand was missed in the 14th over when Indian ‘keeper Uma Chetry did not collect the ball to break the stumps, anticipating a direct hit.The two England batters unleashed powerful hits while constantly pressuring the Indian fielders with brisk running between the wickets.Patil got India A their first breakthrough when she cleaned up Grace Scrivens (7) in the second over.
Mannat Kashyap (1/21) got rid of Mady Villiers (20; 17 balls, 4x4s) and Naik removed Freya Kemp (1) in the eighth over.Earlier, after electing to bat, India made 134/7 in 20 overs. Kasat batted well to make 25 from 32 balls, hitting three fours.On a slow deck, India Women’s A could not really push on with their scoring rate.
Brief scores: India Women’s A 134/7 in 20 overs (Vrinda Dinesh 22, Disha Kasat 25, Gnanananda Divya 22; Charlie Dean 2/19) beat England Women’s A 131/8 in 20 overs (Hollie Armitage 52, Seren Smale 31; Kashvee Gautam 2/23, Shreyanka Patil 2/26) by 3 runs. (PTI)
